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| [Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note |
“2 Feral Pigeons” is the name of this photo. I guess I know why they are called rock pigeons. These are a little different color than the usual. Hopefully I have them identified correctly?
Pigeons are actually domesticated rock doves that have returned to wild or semi-wild conditions. Some rock doves were domesticated for food, others as homing pigeons, and some as ‘fancy’ pigeons, bred for their plumage.
Feral pigeons are a generally grey bird with slightly iridescent feathers on the neck that shine pink and green in the sunlight. Coloration is very variable with some individuals being white, others brownish-red, some grey and many mixtures. The eyes are orange and shine brightly in the sunlight.
Wild rock doves feed on seeds but the diet of the pigeons has grown to include bread, vegetables, meat and other food discarded by humans. Pigeons are not generally fussy eaters; they have only 37 taste buds (humans have around 10,000).
Pigeons feed on the ground in flocks or individually. They roost together in buildings or on walls or statues. When drinking, most birds take small sips and tilt their heads backwards to swallow the water. Pigeons are able to dip their bills into the water and drink continuously without having to tilt their heads back. When disturbed, a pigeon in a group will take off with a noisy clapping sound. This helps inform the other pigeons that there is danger present. If a pigeon is alone, it will respond to danger by keeping very still and trying not to be noticed. Pigeons are excellent fliers and can reach speeds of up to 50mph. They are capable of rapid dives and changes in direction and most of the time will easily out maneuver a bird of prey such as a sparrow hawk. They are resident and do not migrate. (Taken from BBC Science and Nature) |
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![Silver Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 28 W: 5 N: 140]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/s-n-g.gif){kind=small}
